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SUPPORT GROUP: All Are Welcome

This is an informal drop-in program and no registration is required:

In Hamilton it is held at the:
Chancery Office
700 King St. W.

The group meets 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month, 7:00 - 9:00pm.

Support Group meets from September to June.

Download Brochure

Levels Program:
Support for Separated and Divorced 

Related: Retrouvaille (a lifeline for troubled marriages); Declaration of Nullity (Annulment)

Divorce and separation are painful periods in most people’s lives because they were not part of the plan when they married. This can be a time of both grief and pain. This is a time to look after yourself if you are going to ensure that your other responsibilities (children, job and/or family) do not suffer. For yourself and others in your life you care about, it is a time to work on being healthy and happy.

A few things to consider:

• Attend support groups (see below)
• Seek the help of a professional counselor as you transition into this new phase of your life.
• Get enough sleep every day.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Exercise a few times a week.
• Do not dwell on what you could have done or should have done. 
• Think carefully before dating again. You need time to heal.
• Listen to soothing music to calm yourself, even at bedtime. 
• Pray daily for strength to get through this difficult time. 
• Ask for help from friends and loved ones.

Diocesan Programs of Support

The Levels Programs are available in various locations throughout the Diocese.  Not all courses are available in all locations.  Courses normally run twice a year for 10 – 12 weeks, once in the Fall and once in the Spring.

LEVEL 1
Learning to Cope
Recovering from the trauma of separation or divorce is not done alone.  This program is designed to provide resources for those who are recently separated or divorced or have already filed for divorce. Our ten week session offers the tools to help men and women through the journey of initial stress, anger and guilt, to ultimate forgiveness, happiness and growth.

LEVEL 2
Moving Forward
This ten week self-help program is intended to help separated and divorced persons understand the process of healing and moving forward. The program will endeavour to help the participants move through the divorce process more effectively and with less emotional pain. Topics include the cycle of grief, establishing healthy boundaries, self-care, life balance and over-coming loneliness.

LEVEL 3
Enhancing Self-Esteem
This program provides the opportunity to increase your self-awareness and to learn specific skills for building positive self-esteem. Some of the issues covered are: taking responsibility for your thoughts and feelings, how to behave assertively, and setting realistic goals for the future.

LEVEL 4
Reconnecting
The major goal of this program is to guide participants in building a more aware, profound and healthy relationship with themselves. This awareness then provides a basis from which healthy relationships with others can grow.